Senior Solutions Architect I, Pre-Sales - US Government Defense & Intelligence
About this role
Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history, delivering an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a cloud-based platform. The team works within the United States Defense and Intelligence sector, helping organizations overcome earth data challenges through advanced geospatial solutions and technical demonstrations.
As a Senior Solutions Architect, you will design complex solutions to showcase the value of Planet's data and services to defense customers. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including Customer Success, Product Management, and Business Development to act as the voice of the customer and shape technical strategy. The ideal candidate brings extensive technical experience supporting the US Defense and Intelligence community, enjoys working directly with clients, and is comfortable with frequent travel.
Operating as a hybrid employee based out of the Washington D.C. office in Arlington, VA, you will partner closely with sales colleagues to drive technical strategy and craft responses to formal proposals. This position suits individuals who excel at bridging the gap between business problems and technology while navigating security clearance requirements and export control regulations.
What you will do
- Architect and deliver solution demonstrations and presentations highlighting the technical capabilities and value of Planet's offerings to fulfill customer business needs.
- Build relationships with customer technical and management staff to serve as a trusted advisor to their business.
- Craft technical responses to tenders, RFIs, RFPs, and unsolicited proposals regarding company products and solutions.
- Partner with sales team colleagues to architect and drive technical strategy across customer and prospect account plans.
- Represent the needs of Defense and Intelligence customers to sales leadership by communicating forecasts, pipeline opportunities, and customer feedback.
- Present to key executive government stakeholders within the US Federal Government and mentor team members to drive their development.
What you need
- Bring 6 or more years of experience in supporting the US Defense and Intelligence community in a technical capacity.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Possess the ability to travel, including internationally, up to 25 percent of the time.
- Demonstrate experience working with GIS and Remote Sensing users within the defense industry, including IMINT and ISR fields.
- Have familiarity with QGIS, SocetGXP, ArcGIS, GDAL, Python, other common geospatial software packages and programming languages, and emerging technologies such as AI/ML.
- Obtain and maintain eligibility for a US Government TS/SCI security clearance.
- Fulfill employment eligibility requirements for access to export-controlled information without additional licensing.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
- Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off
- 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
- Home Office Reimbursement
- Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote and office policy for this job?
This is a full-time, hybrid role which requires you to work from the Washington D.C. office located in Arlington, VA 3 days per week.
What is the salary range for this position?
The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is $116,340 to $145,390 USD, with potential eligibility for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives.
Are there travel requirements for this role?
This role requires travel, including internationally, up to 25 percent.
What security clearance is needed?
Obtaining and maintaining eligibility for a US Government TS/SCI security clearance is required.